Chase Brown vs James Cook: Who Should You Start?
Chase Brown and James Cook are both viable fantasy running backs heading into 2026, but their 2025 production tells two different stories. Chase Brown averaged 14.6 PPG across 17 games with the Cincinnati Bengals, while James Cook posted 16.8 PPG in 17 appearances for the Buffalo Bills.
A 2.2-PPG gap gives James Cook the edge on paper, but paper does not account for Thursday night matchups, weather games, or a star defender returning from injury. The real question is not who was better in 2025, but who is the better start this specific week.
Chase Brown is the receiving back in this matchup, turning 69 targets into 437 yards, while James Cook profiles as a more traditional rusher with 1621 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns. In PPR and half-PPR formats Chase Brown carries the higher weekly floor. In standard leagues the gap tightens considerably.
One thing to note: both players share a Week 12 bye. That means you need a backup plan at running back for that week, especially if one of these two is your starter.
